Reviews for Elizabeth’s Lutes:
‘Many of these pieces have considerable difficulties which McCartney does not shirk. His playing is precise, thoughtful and always in control. One particular strength is the care with which he articulates fast divisions, which can sound a little scrappy in other hands….[McCartney’s] complex flourishes and divisions are sensitively and cleanly played.’
John Reeve, The Lute (UK Lute Society)

‘This is a highly enjoyable disc, warmly recorded and expertly performed throughout.’
Nick Boston, Classical Notes“A meditative disc that reflects
English melancholy… sublime and perfect.”
SFL

“[A]n enchanting collection of fine performances of lute repertoire from a number of composers from the time of the court of Elizabeth I. Very enjoyable.”Lark Reviews

“According to the programme notes, these pieces are notoriously tricky to play, although I wouldn’t have noticed that from Alex McCartney’s assured performance here. … Alex McCartney’s playing is sensitive and musical, and the recording picks up the sound of the lute very well.”
Andrew Benson-Wilson, Early Music Reviews

Reviews for Mesangeau’s Experiments:
“I have greatly enjoyed Alex McCartney’s playing of these suites, with his lightness of touch in the faster movements, and sustained grace in the Sarabandes and Chaconne.”
Margaret Rees, The Consort

“McCartney’s interpretation of this reflective music is stylish and sublime.”
Kate Benessa, LSA

“This is sublime music, played with such feeling by Alex McCartney, a busy soloist and accompanist, who also directs the ensemble, Poeticall Musicke, and makes lutes. We are fortunate to be able to listen to this re-discovered music performed with such care.”
Stephen Page, Lark Reviews

“[McCartney’s] phrasing (an essential part of this ‘tricky’ French lute style) is admirably musical and the playing fluent and easily flowing.”
Martyn Hodgson, Lute News

“… the CD is a real pleasure to listen to and Alex McCartney shows he is a very good lutenist which one has a desire to hear more from.” Jean-Luc Bresson, SFL (Translated from the French)